How to Vote in the United States: A Quick & Easy Guide

You’ve heard all the speeches about how voting is your fundamental right and a key way to shape your community, state, etc…

Voting certainly is all those things; we know this.

But every state has different rules, procedures, and ways to vote. And it can seem like a pain in the ass to vote.

Just know: Your vote belongs to you.

And as an eligible citizen, not voting is like letting someone take your shit.

So vote. 

I wrote this to help you vote. So take a look, and hopefully, it helps!
And if it needs improvement, let me know here.

Are You Eligible to Vote?

Not everyone can vote. So it’s important to make sure you are eligible to vote. Here are some questions you need to answer first:

• Am I a US citizen? 
• Am I at least 18 years old on or before Election Day? 
• Do I meet my state’s residency requirements? 
• Have I registered before my state’s deadline? 

There are some states that will exclude you due to felony convictions or mental incapacitations. You’ll need to see if any of these apply to you. 

How to Register to Vote

Registering to vote is a crucial step. Here’s how to do it:

• Check Registration Deadlines:
  • Each state has its own deadline.
  • This is usually weeks before an election.
  • Make sure you register in time.
• Choose Your Registration Method:
  • Online: A lot of states offer online registration on their election websites.
  • In-Person: You can register at places like the DMV, public assistance offices, or through voter registration drives.
  • By Mail: Complete a voter registration form and mail it to your local election office. Forms are usually available at post offices, libraries, and government buildings.
• Provide Required Information: Depending on your state, you’ll need to provide details like your name, address, date of birth, and sometimes your driver’s license number or the last four digits of your Social Security number.
• Receive Confirmation: After sending in your registration, you should get a confirmation from your local election office. If you don’t, make sure to follow up to ensure your registration went through. Many states offer a way to check your voter registration status online.

Types of Elections In The US

Here in the US, there are several types of elections:

• Primary Elections
  • Primary elections determine which candidates will represent a political party in the general election – sometimes called referred to as “the general.”
  • Depending on the state you live in, a primary can be open, closed, or semi-closed.
    • Open Primary
      • With an open primary, you, as a voter, don’t have to belong to a political party.
      • Anyone who is registered to vote can join in the primary, no matter their party.
      • This means more people can vote. Many voters tend to like this because it could help pick more middle-ground candidates.
    • Closed Primary
      • Only voters who are registered with a particular political party can vote in that party’s primary.
      • It prevents people from other parties from messing with the voting.
      • It ensures that only real party members choose their candidate.
    • Semi-Closed Primary
      • If you’re not in a party, you can still vote in one party’s primary without joining it.
      • But if you are in a party, you can only vote in your own party’s primary.
      • Semi-closed primaries try to let more people vote while still keeping some control over who votes.
• General Elections
  • General elections are held in November during even-numbered years.
  • These elections determine who will hold various offices, including the presidency, congressional seats, and state and local positions.
• Special Elections
  • These can happen anytime to fill openings or decide on specific issues.
  • A special election might occur due to a number of reasons:
    • Resignation
    • Death
    • Removal from office
    • Ineligibility
    • Appointment to another position
• Local Elections
  • Local elections are held separately from federal elections.
  • These involve voting for local officials like mayors, city council members, and school board members.

Understanding the Election Ballot

It helps to understand the ballot before voting. When you vote, your ballot will list candidates and issues you can vote on. They can be paper or electronic and the voting process will vary by the state you live in.

Here’ s what you might find on your ballot:

• Candidate Races
  • You’ll vote for candidates for various offices.
• Referendums and Initiatives
  • Here’s where you’ll vote on proposals for new laws or changes to existing laws.
• Local Issues
  • These might include school funding measures, local tax changes, or bond issues.
  • Sometimes, these are overlooked, but it’s important to pay some attention here because your life will be affected – like all elections.

Ways to Vote

Depending on the state you live in, there will be various voting options.

• In-Person Voting
  • On Election Day, you’ll go to a polling place and vote for your candidates and issues.
  • These are typically held at schools, community centers, or other public/government buildings.
• Early Voting
  • A lot of states offer early voting periods where you can vote in person before Election Day.
  • This is a great way to vote because you can avoid long lines in most cases.
• Absentee Voting
  • Availability varies by state.
  • If you can’t make it to the polls on Election Day, you may be able to request an absentee ballot.
  • Typically being out of town, having a disability, or being in the military will qualify you for Absentee Voting.
• Mail-In Voting
  • Mail-In Voting is similar to absentee voting.
  • This voting method allows you to receive and return your ballot by mail.
  • Some states only conduct their election by mail.
  • Not all states have Mail-In Voting.
  • When using this method, follow the instructions carefully, use the correct envelope, sign your ballot, and try to mail it in early.
  • It’s also helpful to track your ballot if your state offers the option.

Getting Ready to Vote

Our lives are busy. I get it. Though…

Do your best to be informed about what’s going on. This will help you vote for the candidates and issues that align with your values.

• Do Some Research On The Candidates and Issues
  • Use trusted sources like candidate websites, voter guides, and nonpartisan organizations.
  • Ballotpedia is a helpful nonprofit for this.
• Review Your Sample Ballot
  • Many states provide sample ballots before the election.
    • Give this a good look to make sure you’re familiarized.
• Plan Your Voting Method
  • Decide whether you’ll vote in person, early, absentee, or by mail (depending on your state).
    • Check the deadlines and requirements for what you decide.
• Locate Your Polling Place
  • If voting in person, find out where your polling place is and what hours it will be open.
• Check ID Requirements
  • Some states require voters to present identification at the polls.
    • Make sure you know what ID is acceptable in your state, and bring it with you.
    • Make sure your ID isn’t expired.

Voting on Election Day

If you choose to vote in person on Election Day, here are some tips:

• Arrive Early
  • Polls can be busy, especially during peak hours – so bring a bottle of water and snack.
  • Arriving early can help you avoid long lines.
    • And if your state offers Early Voting, it may be helpful to take advantage. 
• Bring Necessary Documents
  • Bring any required identification.
  • It also helps to bring your sample ballot or notes to help you remember your choices.
• Follow Polling Place Rules
  • Be nice and respectful.
  • Follow any rules or instructions from poll workers.
    • Remember, poll workers are people too. 
    • They may even be your neighbor; so vote with kindness. 
• Ask for Help if Needed
  • Poll workers are there to help you.
  • Do not hesitate to ask questions – especially if it’s your first time voting.
    • And if it’s your first time voting, welcome to the club!

What to Do If You Encounter Problems Voting

Sometimes, you might have issues while voting. It sucks. But it happens. Here’s what to do:

• If You’re Not on the Voter Roll
  • Ask for a provisional ballot.
    • This allows you to cast a vote; however, an election officials will later verify your eligibility to vote.
• If Polling Place Hours Change
  • This is super important
    • As long as you are in line when the polls close, you have the right to vote.
• If You Experience Intimidation or Harassment
  • Report this immediately to a poll worker or local election official.
    • You can also contact election protection hotlines for assistance.

After You Vote

Once you’ve voted, tell people about it! Encourage your family and friends to vote themselves.

• Share Your Experience
  • Encourage friends and family to vote by sharing your experience on social media or through conversations.
• Follow The Election Results
  • If you know, you know.